[Four Days Later]

After dealing with that young master outside of Augustine's lab, I had spent my time relaxing with the crew. Tetsu had explained to Larvesta that we were going on a trip to a tropical island, which got Larvesta very excited. I mentioned that I could only take registered Pokémon, which meant that Larvesta would have to wait until we got back to play with Tetsu.

Larvesta basically bawled his eyes out, refusing to listen to anything we said for an hour. I then took out a Luxury Ball, the one Nurse Joy gave me in Santalune City, and put it on the floor in front of Larvesta. This got Larvesta's attention. He looked at me before switching his gaze over to Tetsu, who nodded. With that, Larvesta crawled to the ball and let himself be caught.

Larvesta (Male): The Torch Pokémon

Believed to have come from the sun, Larvesta makes its nest at the base of volcanoes. Its entire body is made of flames, which Larvesta can spew out from its five horns to attack enemies.

Abilities: Flame Body, Shield Dust

Moves: Ember, String Shot, Struggle Bug, Flame Charge, Bug Bite, Screech, Light Screen, Bug Buzz, Will-O-Wisp, Amnesia, Sunny Day, Protect, Morning Sun (Egg Move), Trailblaze (Egg Move), Acrobatics (Egg Move)

Condition: Anxious, Stressed

Oh man, anxious and stressed. Was that just from being told he wouldn't be able to go with us? Looks like I've got some coping strategies to train with this guy. Especially because he's gonna be a monster. Flame Body and Shield Dust? I don't care how he got it, I'm happy he does. His moveset is amazing too. I keep hitting the jackpot with new Pokémon.

I was able to calm him down by saying he could now go with us, though even that took some time to really get him relaxed. When it came time to leave for Alola, I was ecstatic. While the games were a chore to get through, I actually really enjoyed the Alola region. It took most of the day to travel via plane, so I tried my best to sleep the entire time.

We landed in the Hau'oli City airport, which was on Melemele Island. I spent most of the first two hours in amazement and awe of the beauty of the island. There were minimal buildings made out of concrete, wood, and steel. It felt more like living in a village. The tropical climate was a stark contrast to Kalos. While Kalos was warm, the air wasn't as heavy or sticky. So far, Alola felt like a sauna most days.

The tour we received was going to take a total of three days. We visited the Hau'oli beach almost immediately. From there, we went up to the cemetery and the berry fields, ending the tour with the Verdant Cavern. We slept at a side route motel. From there, we were taken to Melemele Meadow and Seaward Cave, where we had a quick beach stop.

I swear, it's like the beaches are mandatory parts of a person's routine. There were all kinds of people there, including people wearing business suits. They were all just enjoying the nice climate. I talked to one woman in her business attire. Apparently, most workers were allowed a beach break, which meant they could take 30-45 minutes outside to just relax. That was separate from other mandatory breaks like a lunch break. Lucky bastards; I don't think something like that would ever be implemented for most people back in the good ol' USA.

After the beach, where we also had lunch, we went to Iki Town and visited the Ruins of Conflict. To my relief, nothing happened while we were there, though the Kahuna, Hala, said Tapu Koko had been going out into the wild more often lately. I was too busy admiring the rickety wood and rope bridge that barely managed to hold one person at a time. They wanted me to walk across this?

After a few minutes of everyone convincing me to cross the bridge, we finally saw the ruins. I spent most of the time looking at the artwork all over the walls. They held a simple beauty; the greens and yellows, the triangles and diamond designs, it felt ancient and important. After that, we walked back to Iki Town, though not without Ana Lisa, the Elite Trainer from Alola, almost falling through the bridge when her foot went through it.

There was a small festival happening in town when we arrived. Dancers, fire jugglers, Pokémon battles, and a large variety of food and drinks were waiting to be enjoyed. I took it upon myself to review the food, trying everything and anything that came out of the kitchens. I sat with Nina, who explained the historical and cultural meaning behind the performances.

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It was a great night. Nina had joined the fire jugglers and surprised us by showing the professional a few extra tricks. Ana Lisa spent the entire time drinking at the bar and ignoring Brian, who kept trying to explain his research. Cosette spent time battling others, showing off her Rotom and Slowking.

As the festival ended, we were taken to our rooms. The three women had their own hut while Brian and I shared one. Brian seemed to be in his sad boi hours because he brought a bottle of wine to his room and played slow, melancholic music. I fell asleep very quickly, the whole day having exhausted me.

The next day, we visited the Trainer School before leaving for the Pokémon research lab, where Professor Kukui was waiting for us. His enthusiastic greeting rubbed off on Nani, who immediately challenged him to a battle. Their 2v2 resulted in Nani's quick loss. Her Metang was pummeled down by Prof. Kukui's Incineroar, while her Cradily was one-shotted by Kukui's Magnezone.

I was surprised to see she had a Metang, but I guess it would be useful for any calculations during her research. Cradily, though, was not as useful. I guess she just liked it, or Lileep, enough to catch it. I was very happy to see Prof. Kukui in action. Kukui was one of my top Pokémon game professors, second to Sonia from Pokémon Sw/Sh. In this world, he was just as energetic, though I was starting to prefer Augustine's low-key supportive vibes.

As the Professor explained the different things we, i.e., the scientists, would be doing, I took the time to observe the area. The lab was situated smack dab in the middle of the beach. When facing the ocean, the beach continued to the left for quite a ways with families and Trainers enjoying themselves and the amazing climate. Out in the ocean was a large collection of rocks jutting out of the water.

They seemed to be hiding something in between them, but I already knew it was just a small island that would be perfect for a lovers' retreat. To the right of the lab was a patch of green shrubs that surrounded Ten Carat Hill, though the hill was more like a small rocky mountain. I knew Carbink, a Pokémon focused on defense, could be found there. Perfect training for Kippie and Honedge.

While I had caught Larvesta, he still wasn't really on my team. He only came along to play with Tetsu. Any attempts to get him to train or listen was met with great resistance, though there was no problem whatsoever when Tetsu gave the same instruction. I guess Tetsu would be the way to his heart, though a love-struck Volcarona that only listened to his love interest would NOT be ideal.

"Alright, any questions?" Prof. Kukui asked jovially.

"I do," Ana said, "did Marco hear any of that?"

Tch, so that's how it's gonna be.

"We are going to spend our time in the wild observing the natural behaviors and interactions of the wild Pokémon," I began answering, "Well, as natural as they can be considering our intrusion. Anyway, using the special devices provided by the Alolan League and the Professor's lab, we can track the appearance of any portal on any of the islands. Once one appears, we will head there to investigate any changes in Pokémon and the environment.

"Dr. Stevens will use her own research to investigate the energies that form and are emitted by these portals. Mr. Brown will observe the Pokémon and note any changes from their natural behaviors. Miss Nina will use her research to find out if navigation through these portals is possible. Miss Ana and I are in charge of keeping the researchers, their equipment, and the surrounding area and Pokémon safe from any influence these portals have. More specifically, Miss Ana will take down any major threats that emerge from the portals of Pokémon colonies while I will focus on crown control and supporting Miss Ana."

I paused for a brief moment and then looked directly at Ana before saying, "Did I miss anything?"

Nina had a giant smirk on her face as Ana's face just barely contorted in anger for a brief second before it settled into a calm expression. Ana looked at the Professor who was very confused about the obvious tension between Ana and I.

"Well," Prof. Kukui began, "that seems to cover everything. I'll be busy calibrating some of the equipment and doing some last-minute logistic checks since you'll be starting tomorrow. Dinner will be provided by the lab, so make sure to be here for that. Other than that, all of you are free to do as you please. Stay safe!"

With that, we were left to our own devices. Cosette and Brian immediately began discussing their research while Nina went off to battle some of the Trainers on the beach. I looked at Ana, who caught my gaze, for a second before turning towards Ten Carat Hill and marching towards the mountain. It was time to get back into training.

Once inside the cave tunnel, I released the team. Nautilus and Tetsu were allowed to do as they pleased, which meant training on their own. I told Larvesta Tetsu would be able to play after her training, something he didn't take well. Larvesta began crying and heating up, with all of us starting to sweat profusely.

I knew Larvesta was upset about not being able to play with Tetsu, which meant his emotional flare up at the moment was caused by not being able to get Tetsu's attention. Now, I'm no psychologist. But I was on my way to being a social worker before coming to this world. And I worked with a lot of children with trauma and behavior diagnoses.

From my experience, Larvesta was anxious about being abandoned by a safe, comforting figure: Tetsu. If I went in with Kippie using Water Gun or something, it would only serve to escalate Larvesta by making him feel unsafe. Bringing Tetsu back would only reinforce and reward this outburst

With enough time, Larvesta would be able to calm down or tire himself out. Either would give me the opportunity to comfort him myself. Well, Nurse Joy said my body was much tougher than most people's, if I paraphrase enough.

Let's see how tough I am.

I went closer to Larvesta, each step bringing an increase in temperature. It was almost unbearable and I could see my clothes starting to singe. Once I was within range, I hugged Larvesta. This caused my shirt to burn where it contacted him and Larvesta was squirming around trying to get away.

I held tightly, not letting him go. With a calm and even tone, I kept repeating that he would be fine and Tetsu would come back soon. I could feel my arms and chest burning, but I powered through when I noticed Larvesta's cries getting quieter. He eventually stopped squirming and crying and began to calm down. The temperature cooled considerably.

I sat down, holding Larvesta in my arms where he was safe.